IDBIRR Chapter 13: A Legendary Figure.

It was...strange.

The scene of Berserked Armored Knight's final moments looked very poetic. It was like looking at an art that depicted a sole person's loneliness in the face of his own death, from a gallery viewing.

It was so sudden, but despite my previous first encounter with the Armored Knight, I could not sense any shred of free will, nor any conscious mind at present. He was only but a doll attached to strings, controlled by the room he was encased in. A puppet who played the role of a wild knight who had no purpose but to attack those who were in his line of sight.

If I harbored the ability to feel emotions, I want to know, what I'm supposed to be feeling right now.

Seeing how he embraced perishing in the view of the blue sky, and then leaving nothing but an empty wooden throne behind, it reminded me of my time alone as a rock.

I thought..."It's like I'm looking at my reflection".

If I were physically able to shudder, I might as well have done so even before. No one likes seeing yourself in the image of someone else dying. It's like a grim vision of your fate.

But despite that, I was jealous. He looked so happy as he vanished...why did he?

...

I push aside that thought for now and focused on my main objective.

Luna: "Uhh...guys..?"

Lucia: "Oh crap...why is it..."

I stare hungrily at them...finally...there they are...completely defenseless.

Alea: "Oh my~"

Lucia: "I-It's staring at us! It looks like it's hungry or something!"

Luna: "Can't...move...body...!"

If I could salivate, I'd be a drooling mess right now. I just can't take it anymore! They look so appetizing! I just want to sink my mouth's sharp ends on their delicate figure!

[[Angus, this isn't like you. Please contain yourself. Succumbing to your desires will only make you more of a monster.]]

And let myself starve?! No way! No more!

I can't take it anymore! As soon as I knew about them, I just couldn't help but imagine them entering my mouth! I want savor their divine and exquisite taste!

It's their sole purpose to become my food!

[[Angus, calm down!]]

I ran towards my prey. There was no escape, not if they're just lying around, free for the taking!

All of them are mine to devour!

Luna: "Oh lord...this is where it ends..."

Lucia: "E-Eek...! Stay away! Mommy..!"

Alea: "Fufu~ What a fun day it is today~♡"

Stay away? Stay Away?! What are you talking about?! There's no way I'm staying away! I'll eat them all up!

I quickly pass by the three girls and rushed towards the special scrap metals that Berserked Armored Knight drop for his loot drop.

Luna: "Umm..."

Lucia: "Wha-"

Alea: "Fufufu~ How cute~"

Yippee! Metal acquired!

[[Angus, acting like a savage monster would only cause you dirty food mess as you eat.]]

[[I advice you to calmly eat your food with proper manners.]]

Aww, alright. I was just so excited what this would taste like. Since they're different from normal Iron.

Since I could just make Iron, or any kind of mineral for me to eat. That means I have my own source of infinite food supply.

But based on how the Administrator explained it to me before. Monster Drop minerals may provide better effects than the regular stuff I could make. Since my minerals are processed instantly, they may lack something in comparison to "Natural Produced Minerals".

Take for example monsters with proper gear equipped. Some of it may have been forged with Natural Minerals from this world, which was created from eons ago while being imbued by the magical effects of this fantasy world.

So it would only make sense that Monster Drop scrap metal would value far greater than my cheap, easily created minerals! It's like cheap convenience store meat vs high class culinary meat!

[[In fact you are correct. As you've deducted, Monster Drop Minerals provide better food nutrition to your body.]]

Aha! I just knew that was the case! This is so awesome Administrator!

[[I do not know what "Awesome" means, but yes, it is "Awesome".]]

[[I am glad to have shared useful information to you Angus. As I am worried for your healthy diet, please do not mind me anymore and enjoy your meal.]]

The three girls who have somehow recovered a bit of their energy, decided to sit up.

I munch on the broken pieces of Berserked Armored Knight's armor and tasted the divine taste of an extra spicy barbecue chicken flavored metal.

GRAND DELICACY! Délicieux~!

Luna: "Give me back my worries dammit..."

Lucia: *Facepalming from embarrassment*

Alea: "I'm glad to see you two saaaafe~"

Alea hugs both of them, they both smile and returned the hug. As soon as they embrace Alea, they lose consciousness from extreme exhaustion.

Alea: "Fufu...I can't blame you two, after reaching [Level 5] in this Labyrinth, you're bound to collapse on me as soon as we finished the Room Boss..."

She gently lays both of her sisters on the ground and stood up quite easily, as if she never was physically exhausted in the first place.

I stare in awe as I enjoy my meal. Seeing her casually walk towards me, I could tell she wasn't normal. Far different from her two sisters.

Now that I think about it...this area is [Level 5]. It would take almost an entire week without stopping to get this quickly at the ends of the Labyrinth. You would also need the strength, skills, and experience to push through each Levels without so much as a loss. Of course, since I could just phase through walls or underground, it only takes me for about a few minutes or so.

Then that means they've been inside this Labyrinth for quite some time now. Progressing slowly in order to reach this far.

They're strong if they were able to reach this far. Which means they've defeated the Plant Monster on [Level 4].

I haven't been checking on the Labyrinth's previous Levels because I've cooped myself up in [Level 5].

Farming daily and grinding for some exp. But it wasn't enough since I lacked nutrition from being unable to eat minerals (without my knowledge about them before).

Alea opens her eyes and stare at me.

As beautiful as I'd like to admit her eyes are, it's quite scary to see once she looks down on you with those cold looking stares upfront.

It's like her eyes could see through your very being.

Alea: "Hmm~ How weird, I can't see ANYTHING at all from you."

Huh? What does she mean?

Alea sits down in front of me, resting one of her arms on the hilt of her blade.

Alea: "I was thinking of killing you earlier..."

You what?!

She lets go of her sword and put her hand down. Sighing and then giving me a sweet and genuine smile.

Alea: "But I guess I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. Time's have already changed, I shouldn't just rely on violence alooone~"

She gestures me over to her lap and pats it for me to come over.

I mean...I don't see any harm to it. She seems pretty chill for now.

I hopped on to her lap, bringing the scrap metal I was feasting on and relaxed on her lap. I reduced my weight with my skill [Power of the Stone], to match a feather's weight so I wouldn't put weight pressure on her legs. My original weight as a tiny golem is heavier than that of heavy steel.

Alea: "I want to thank you for helping us out. I could have dealt with the Room Boss on my own, but that would've put me at a disadvantage if my sisters knew how strong I truly waaas~"

Huh? She means she's stronger than how she was from before?

But...she definitely looked like she was struggling from before...

Wait, maybe I should actually check her stats...

Huh---?

Wait-- What the-----

[Alea (You are NOT allowed to see) Lvl.(???)]

[Class] (NEW!!!)

(???) (Archer Lvl.100) (???) (???) (???)...

[Stats]

(You are NOT allowed to see)

[Titles]

(You are NOT allowed to see)

She IS an ARCHER!?!?!

Alea: "Fufufu...naughty goleeem~♡ You just tried to look me up just now, didn't you~?"

Uhh...n-nooo~?

She lies down on her back and lay me just beside her. Becoming comfy and relaxed while hugging me close to her chest.

Alea: "I usually kill off monsters with the potential to grow at a frightening rate, just like yoooou~"

She boops my nose.

Alea: "But you seem niceee~ I'd feel bad to kill you off, especially when you're extra gullible enough to let an enemy hold you like this~♡"

With her finger, she slowly draws a line starting from my chest and up to my neck. With a sinister look, one wrong move and I would literally die right now.

She's right, I just casually walked towards her embrace without worries. It was a naive move on my part.

Am I really gonna die from this?

Death by snu snu?

The somewhat-not-really-a-ninja girl yawns and hugged me even tighter towards her chest, stuffing my face as it get's burried in between her soft bosoms.

Alea: "I'm just kidding...I won't harm people who do not choose to embrace their monstrosity..."

I'm glad I don't need air to stay alive.

But I'm concerned by how much she doesn't mind about personal space. I'm still a monster yo! Don't you feel any sense of danger at all?!

Alea: "I'm...actually quite sleepy, I haven't slept for a few days...keeping watch of my sisters everyday...I wanted to thank you for saving us earlier, even though I didn't really need it...*yawn*...I'm grateful of you..."

She fell asleep while talking. Her whole body easing up after losing her consciousness. They must've travelled so far in order to reach this place without much rest to spare.

Sighing in my thoughts, I should be grateful of you three instead.

I've never been with somebody else for a hundred years now...

Even if you're practically just kids to me...even if you're just strangers...even If I can't feel anything. This embrace looks so warm.

It made me remember of a previous life, where I was hugged and loved by everyone. It's all in the past now.

Right now, I'm thankful, even if a stranger were to hug me. Because not everyone can be embraced by somebody, and even if that person is a somebody, that somebody can provide the greatest of comfort even if they are nobody to you.

Falling asleep in front of your supposedly enemy, signifies the trust that they've given you. Implying that she left the safety of their lives to me.

The longer it went, the harder it was for me to comprehend the thought process of this Kid who's comfortably hugging me. Her way of trusting a monster to safe guard her family from any would-be threats, is surely extraordinary.

It would take for atleast twenty-four hours before Room Bosses respawn. But something tells me that Berserked Armored Knight wouldn't come back from his grave. Just looking at his throne, it's magical aura left along with him.

All Room Boss have some sort of item that proves their attachments to their Room. It's pretty easy to figure out which one's the item they're attached to, since it emits a magical glow that's visible to the naked eye.

While it does prove their existence as a Room Boss, it does not act as one of their weaknesses. Even if you destroy their attachment, the Room Bosses will still continue to cut you down where you stand without pause. The Labyrinth would only regenerate their attachment anyways. To beat the Room Bosses, you would still need to face them normally.

So even If I leave these girls to rest here for the night or even the next following days after that, no one will disturb their slumber since Labyrinth monsters aren't allowed to enter Room Bosses.

And if Berserked Armored Knight doesn't spawn anymore. Then that guarantees their safety even if I don't make a move to protect them.

I heard of this information from Big Boss himself while I was hanging out inside his room, taking temporary retreats, making up strategies in order to defeat Dark Armored Knight during my early days in [Level 5].

Thinking of it now...it's already been 2 weeks since last month I've mange to beat all the levels...excluding [Level 1].

It's been an arduous experience...but it was all worth it to make it this far.

The gap between me and Big Boss is still wide, but I'm sure I've closed the distance significantly for only a month. That's quick progress right there if I've ever seen one. If my pace continues just like this, I'll eventually catch up to him.

Eventually...I'll somehow make it out of this alive!

For now, I'll just check on my materials while I wait for them to wake up. The waiting game's what I'm good at. Just a few hours is like a second to me now.

.

.

.

It's been a few hours now since I've become this girl's teddy bear. From the lights that peaked through the cracked ceilings, it was already starting to become red. Soon it will be night time.

I don't know what do, because I'm afraid of what might happen If I were to wake this girl up.

Although her features are soft and somewhat of an airhead, she's actually quite dangerous, wise and mysterious on the inside. I would obviously die if I were to mess with her. Her power...may or may not be close to Big Boss's level, if not stronger.

Looking at her sleeping face, it somehow reminds me of cute and cuddly sheeps.

She was very pretty too. Her asian-like looks captures the beauty of her ninja style clothing. Her white and long eyelashes, her small and pinkish lips, and her plush rosy cheeks compliments her natural beauty. Otherwordly beauty sure is fascinating!

Alea: "..."

She suddenly opens her eyes and looks at me. Which also surprised the bajeezus outta me. Good golly!

But unlike her mesmerizing purple pupils like before, what stared at me were glowing silver pupils. Somehow, her vibe was also different from before.

I prepared myself for a cheeky response about why I was staring at her like a total creep, but the most unusual thing just happened.

She slowly sat up (while still hugging me), and looked around. As if she were lost and confused. Like a child that wasn't aware of what happened before she woke up.

Alea: "What am I-"

She spoke in a softer voice than before, although what actually caught my attention was that...it was a different voice.

This isn't the person from before. It was someone else entirely.

Lucia: "Ngg..."

I turn to look at her two siblings who were resting a few inches away.

I look back to the other person that's in front of me, only to be met with the same purple eyes they were before.

Instead of a confused expression like earlier, it was replaced with her signature mysterious smile.

This girl has some weird things going on with her alright.

Alea: "Fufu...what am I doing to you now? I could've sworn I fell asleep lying on the ground. Oh my, did something happen perhaps?"

It looks like she's not aware of that...other thing that resides inside of her.

I shake my head, denying that nothing too weird just happened. I mean, it ain't my business anyways. I'm just here to keep guard of them.

Luna: "Ngg...are we still...alive?"

Luna groggily sat up, rubbing her eyes as she looks around to scan her surroundings of any possible danger.

Soon after, Lucia woke up as well.

Lucia: "Damn...we almost died just earlier...just thinking of it gives me the shivers...brr!"

Looking at both of them who were fine and well, Alea releases a sigh of relief.

Alea: "They're safe..."

Giggling at the thought of their near-death experience, Lucia wobbly stood up. Her knees were probably still weak.

Hmm, I believe I should give them some potions. I've been gathering a ton of materials from loot drops that they've already piled up. Losing a few potions from my limitless loot wouldn't hurt.

I took out the potions in mid air, surprising all three of them.

Luna: "Where did that potion come from...?"

Since I couldn't answer them, I just shrugged my shoulders and each gave them my elixirs. Elixirs replenish both mana and health, so it's natural I gave them something convenient.

Lucia: "Huh? You're...giving these to us?"

I nod, while carefully coming down of Alea's embrace.

Luna's eyes suddenly widen after thoroughly examining the potion I handed out.

Luna: "Isn't this...a Max Elixir?"

A Max Elixir?

Oh yea, I believe that was it's name. I don't even use the loot drops I gather, so it's not much of a bother to give it away.

Alea: "Ehh...are you sure you're giving it to us? This thing's quite expensiiiive~ you know?"

I...don't know the market price of this world. So I definitely don't have a clue about how valuable my items are!

Oh well, I have five hundred of those Max Elixirs anyways. Giving three Max Elixirs away isn't a problem.

I look at them in a way that reassures them that I don't mind at all. The other two younger sibling drank the bottle, only Alea decided to keep it.

Alea: "Heeeh~ Well, aren't you quite gullible~"

She boops my nose(?) and genuinely smiles softly.

Alea: "If that's how you want it, then I'll accept your generous help. Although I would only keep it as a souvenir for now~ It may prove it's use for a problem, sooner or later~"

She hides the potion inside of her item pouch.

Alea: "Buuut~ Next time, you shouldn't just gracefully offer your help to everyone so innocently and all willy-nilly. You're gonna become too easy to manipulate by those very same strangers you've helped. Take my advice~ someone who's dealt with those very same strangers before~"

Hmm, I guess she's right. It was too rash of me to lend them some help without knowing who they were first. I could end up becoming the world's number one enemy all of a sudden without my knowledge about it.

Lucia: "That's right! Our big sister's pretty wise about things like that! You're very nice for a monster, so don't let strangers manipulate you because of your goodwill!"

Luna: "I agree, we may even be villains for who knows what, you should be careful around us humans next time."

They're all very good people that's for sure, so it isn't a problem If I help them. I made the right choice to step in and save them.

Alea stands up and offers a hand to both of her sisters.

Alea: "Let's go now, I believe you two have become stronger than you already had in mind before. To reach this Labyrinth's Fifth Level, the both of you have the potential to become a [Hero], albeit slightly. Fufufu~"

Lucia puts on a dissapointed look.

Lucia: "Ehh? We're not going to challenge [Level 0]??"

Alea frowns and pinches Lucia's cheeks.

Alea: "No, the both of you barely managed to defeat this Level's Room Boss. If we tread on as we are right now, I won't be able to guarantee both of your lives if we were to challenge the Labyrinth Boss. I could end up losing both of you in the process. Do you understand? We're only here to make you both stronger, not go on a suicide escapade."

Her tone of voice became serious and her personality became strict. It was obvious that it would become a death sentence for both of them if they insisted to proceed further on.

Luna only facepalms as she watches Lucia get scolded by Alea.

Lucia: "A-Alright! I'm sorry! I won't be carried away anymore!"

Alea: "Suggest something crazy like that again and you're grounded from eating steak for one week!"

Lucia: "NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I'm begging you! anything but that! I love meat!"

Phew, what a noisy bunch. Once they relax, they keep on making noises every chance they get.....

Pfft- This reminds me of my family before.

I watch as they quarrel, the very sight of their family bond, reflects the very scene of a previous family I knew before.

It's only sad...that I can't remember their faces anymore. Only the small details like their names...or something else.

I envy their relationship.

Their fight soon calmed down. As they all prepare their equipment to go back.

All three of them stood side by side in front of me and bowed their heads.

Luna: "Thank you for saving us. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be here right now, saying our thanks."

Well, I doubt that, your Big Sis could've handled all the Levels up to [Level 5] on her own, solo leveling and all.

Lucia: "Thank you Mr. Rock-Man! See you again if we have the chance to meet again!"

Heh, likewise, I would like to hang out with these guys again. It's interesting to listen to their sister's lessons.

Alea: "Well, it was a short encounter. But it was fun teasing you~"

So teasing me was the fun part huh...

Alea takes out a fragile looking magical stone from her item pouch.

Alea: "This is a return stone, it was specifically designed and handcrafted with alchemy in order to transport people back towards a Labyrinth's [Level 1] area. We'll use this to instantly return to the green zone~"

Woah, something like that exists? That's quite convenient!

Luna: "Ah, I've researched about that peculiar stone before. It's commonly used as a means of escape, in case you get surrounded by monsters from the higher Levels."

Alea: "Indeed it is~ If you crush it in your hands, the transportation magic that resides inside of it will activate~ oh and don't worry about the shards piercing through your palm, the stone turns to dust after it's destroyed~"

Lucia: "Really? That's pretty weird. Hahaha"

Alea turns to me before she crushes the stone.

Alea: "I know this doesn't concern you much, but...five days from now, we're going to travel the world in search of something. So if you happen to not find us in town, then that means we've already left~ Next time we meet again, we'll be glad to lend you a hand if you're ever in trouble~"

Both of her sisters each held on to her shoulders, preparing to transport near the entrance.

I wave them my goodbye before they left.

Alea: "Also...it looks like someone's waiting for you~"

After finishing what she said last, the stone in her palm gets crushed and they were immediately gone.

I turn towards the gate that was located on the left side of the throne. Standing beside the shadows, Big Boss who wore a grin in his face stared at me.

He looked...different.

His fur, which was previously gray, starting from the top of his head and down to his feet, was now Black overall. His head that was covered with a few normal looking scars, were now colored red, as if he bore crimson scars.

His eyes...that was normal before, became strange. His sclera, that was originally white is now black as well, and his dark pupils were now as pale as the white color of snow.

He, no....whatever he's become...is definitely abnormal.

It's as if he was possessed by the devil.

Is he still the nice guy from before? Or...

I walk up to him and asked him what's up by raising both my hands in a curious gesture. Did something happen to him? He doesn't seem...like his usual goofy character. There's a serious tense coming from him. Don't tell me....it's already that time...?

Are we about to start killing each other?!

But I'm still weak! Weaker than him! He could topple me down easily like a house of cards!

I started to panic, thinking I wouldn't even last a few minutes against him. It was just crazy timing that it easily made me worked up.

Big Boss: "Pff-"

Big Boss laughs, surprising me.

Wh-What's...why is he laughing so suddenly?????

Big Boss: "Don't act so scared young lad. Come mate, let's talk eh?"

He enters the shadows behind the passage of the gate that led towards [Level 0]'s area.

I hesitated to follow after, but decided to just do it anyways. If this is the end, then I better pull everything that I've got! It was a short life, but it's better than dying like a coward who'll run away and get killed in the process!

I soon caught up to Big Boss's phase and walked beside him. Listening to what he's about to say.

This is certainly a weird day with all these coincidences. I didn't even knew BAK's armor was the last meal I would ever get to enjoy last...

Ah...it sure was a short life of freedom...

(╥﹏╥)

Big Boss: "Hmm~ hm~ hm~ hmm~ hmm~"

Big Boss started to hum a tune, it was a very smooth and calming sound. The song is probably a lullaby.

Big Boss: "It's strange if you think about it."

Hm?

Big Boss: "A month ago, I declared a death match between you and me."

Yes, and it gave me nightmares every night.

Big Boss: "You were worthy enough, is what I thought that day. I thought that...if it were you, I could get the satisfaction of dying at the hands of someone who's capable enough to kill me for good."

Huh?

I stopped following him and stood still, processing what I've just heard. This is the first time I've heard of this. Whenever I made a strategic retreat towards his lair, he would tell me random stories to pass the time.

He also stops walking and turned around. Just as he turned around, the blue flamed torches behind him lit up.

Big Boss: "I'm a man who's travelled the whole world in search of someone to kill me. I won't tell the reason why...because I really have no clue why I want someone to kill myself."

Huh? Some kind of mystery backstory even you don't know??

Then...why are you inside this isolated Labyrinth where only monsters dwell inside?

I mean, they are dangerous...but you're overwhelmingly beyond their reach.

Big Boss: "It was selfish of me to try to take away your own freedom."

Huuuuuuuuuuuuh???????

He continued to walk forward, looking up ahead where the light at the end of the tunnel would greet us.

Big Boss: "Of course, since you were making a ruckus infront of my lair, I would obviously check up on things to see who were making these noises and throw them out..."

It was only a short distance left before we entered [Level 0], just before he passed through the entrance, Big Boss smiles and looks at me.

Big Boss: "No worries, relax mate! I've had a change of mind...grahahaha!"

Huh? Is he gonna let me go? IS HE?!

We enter [Level 0], Big Boss's Labyrinth Boss Room. Walking towards a singular path that led to the room's center area.

There are no more mazes and different rooms inside this area, only a room that carries the lingering sick feeling of your death.

To describe Tood Raid's room, it's very similar to [Level 4]'s Boss Room that looks like a miniature jungle. Big Boss's version is like a small forest that's inside a huge cave with an open, round cave ceiling on top. It was a very ominous scenery.

Like having a feeling of something's watching you in every dark spots under the thick shades of the trees.

Although Big Boss is the only occupant of this room.

At the center of this room is an open field where a normal cabin stood strong in it's place. While it is exposed to an open ceiling above it, a circular spotlight of sunlight or moonlight is what illuminates this eye-catching scenery. No matter how many times I look at it, I never tire of admiring this scenic view, even if it was a scary one.

The name of this room is called, "The Lone Forest".

A very interesting detail about Labyrinths (Big Boss' teachings), is that Room Bosses have no names for their Room, it's just a nameless room. Big Boss theorized that these rooms are a reflection of the past that was visualized and constructed to form inside of Labyrinths. In other words, a nameless room is a forgotten past that came to life once again.

The reflection of these rooms are supported by the Attachments, they give life to reflected past. Once it is engraved inside the Labyrinth, the very image that was formed due to the Attachment will never fade away and will act as if it were the real deal.

Whoever or whatever built these Labyrinths surely had a lot in mind to be able to create such a difficult construct.

Whereas Named Rooms, which are Labyrinth Boss Rooms, signifies a legendary and unforgettable history that was famed enough to persist through the present times.

That means that Labyrinth Bosses are the most feared or well-known symbols across all the ages. They are unforgettable, undefeated, and undeniably the strongest above the summit.

And infront of me walking without any fear nor any sign of weakness, a creature that was feared and entitled as a Legendary Figure by history.

His name was Tood Raid, a man who will not be forgotten by Time.

It was only for a short moment, but we've already step afoot in the center area. Once you've reached through this distance, the circular open field will come and greet you.

The day was already growing dark, and little by little, the center area was slowly becoming the focus of attention.

It is surrounded by mid-high tall grasses. Once it fully grows, Big Boss cuts them to small lengths in an instant.

At evening, like now, thousands of fireflies come out and provide some way of lighting to your surroundings, making it more easier for you to be aware of your surroundings at night inside this room.

If I remember correctly, Big Boss would be extremely dominant in a place like this. If you remember his passive skill that makes him faster when it's dark, then that means he excels more with his abilities inside his own room since it compliments his territorial advantage against his enemies.

Where there is a forest, do shadows lurk inside. Where there is shade, do the shadow dwellers roam free.

It's like I'm a moth to a flame.

Walking towards my final destination.

But then...he said he had a change in mind? What did he mean by that? What could he be possibly planning to do now?

My train of thought ended right after we stopped in front of the cabin. It was abrupt, but he looked behind, not to me, but towards the night view of the thousand fireflies flying everywhere.

He sat down on the cabin's porch and gestured me over to sit beside him.

Big Boss: "Come. Sit over here young lad, let's talk."

Just as before, I hesitated, but I ended up sitting beside him anyways. I'm also curious about what he wants to talk about. So I let go of my worries and listened to his request.

Crossing both of his legs, he sat comfortably while gazing upon the stars and fireflies. They both blend together as a mixture of beautiful night lights.

Big Boss: "Ya see...like I said earlier, I planned to kick out whoever was making those absurd noises so late in the day."

Ah yes, earlier you did mention that.

Big Boss: "I told myself, oh boy, those kids are going to pay for disturbing this peaceful day!"

Big Boss: "So I hurried over and saw them kids duking it out with the Knight buddy from earlier."

Oh yea! That fight was so awesome! I didn't actually expect them to fight so good!

Big Boss: "Boy did that fight pumped me up, lad!"

I know right?!

I playfully swing my tiny legs back and forth while sitting on the porch, listening to the rest of his story.

Big Boss: "Because of that, it made me remember how awesome our fight to the death would be!"

He quickly turns my way with bloodthirst eyes and a wide maniac smile that wished to gnaw the enemy (me) that's beside him to bits and pieces of tiny pebbles.

His right hand grasping the air in front of him as if he was holding me with those same hands and destroying my whole body with one weak grip of his.

It made me fall on my back on the porch from surprise.

Big Boss: "Pff..."

But he only laughed it off.

Big Boss: "GRAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

He hits the porch lightly several times from laughing.

Big Boss: "Of course I'm only messin' with ya! No worries! No worries! Grahahaha!"

That murderous look didn't look too funny to me earlier. Jeezus, I swear my whole life just flashed before me just now.

Big Boss clears his throat and resumes our conversation.

Big Boss: "When I looked at those girls from earlier, being happy from their achievements, it made me remember something...although I can't recall what it was."

He sure doesn't remember much. Makes me curious about what's running inside his head.

Big Boss: "But I'm sure it was about my family."

Family? Does he mean like...his cubs? Baby werewolves?? Wait, he had a family???

He turns my way again and points at himself.

Big Boss: "Mate, have I ever told you I was a human before?"

You're WHAT?!

He lays his back down on the porch and stares at the dark view of his wooden porches' roof, his legs still crossed, but now bouncing the top leg, up and down.

Big Boss: "I can't exactly remember how it happened or why it happened, but after opening my eyes one day, I suddenly became a grey werewolf."

I started to wonder. His way of conveying this conversation...it's as if he's experiencing through amnesia. I could be wrong, but the way he talks about his past, it's as if he doesn't remember much of it. Does he actually have amnesia??

Big Boss: "I'm only saying this to ya, because ye're the only one whom I wouldn't try to kill on sight, the first I've seen of 'em."

Big Boss: "It looks like I'm going through some kind of memory loss or somethin'."

Ah, I was actually right. Not that I can tell him he has amnesia though. I guess this world isn't quite modern enough to know about amnesia.

Big Boss: "Grr...so anyways..."

Huh? Did he just get mad right now?

Big Boss: "Those girls...reminded me of a little nugget that I managed to recover from my past."

A little nugget?

Suddenly, his [Titles] made me remember something...could it be...?

Big Boss: "Err...it looks like I had a daughter...or something like that."

Ahhhhhhh...ahh...

I look at him and he looked away, holding the bridge of his nose...or muzzle? Anyways, he certainly was shy after confessing he had a daughter.

Big Boss: "So yea...those little ladies made me remember that little girl."

He was previously a doting father, according to his titles, so I can't blame him for triggering a memory from his past.

But my main question is, why did he decided to let me go after a month? Couldn't he just call it off before? No wait...he did say it was because of those girls that made him remember something.

But what was his real reason for calling off our death battle? It couldn't be just those girls and his memories right?

Big Boss: " So err...when you showed up to save them...I was actually surprised. I didn't think you'd go for the trouble of involving yourself with humans. As an ex-human before, I found your heroic deeds quite moving."

Eh? Just because of that? I mean...to be fair, Big Boss and I are pretty much the same. I was a human before, but I suddenly woke up as a rock one day. Now, here we are.

I could get sentimental with him when it comes to giving no harm to humans. Since we're practically one and the same.

Big Boss: "When I watched you having fun with those girls...It made me realize how wrong I was..."

Big Boss: "How wrong would it be for me to selfishly drag you to my own unquenchable thirst for death. At that time, I thought to myself..."

Huh? Wait...

Big Boss: "How far am I willin' to involve others on my frustrations? What I'm doing...would it be worth it if I only make those who were unwillin', suffer from my selfish outbursts?"

I didn't even think...he would come up with that idea. No way, isn't he just...a really sad and lonely guy?

He's...quite a softie at heart isn't he?

Big Boss: "I mean...hey, aren't ya mad at me? I forced ya to get strong, but it only ended up like a lit out flame in the end. You could probably even say...I chickened out by the end."

Big Boss: "Grahaha...I suddenly realized how bad it was to force ya on a challenge ya wouldn't like in the first place. Especially if it were a fight to the death, hm?"

I mean, I was mad at first...even now, I'm still afraid to be this up close to you...

But...when I remember all the goofy stuff you did whenever I was retreating to your lair. It slowly made me grow accustomed to your presence.

And to be honest, If I think about it...you're somewhat like a first friend that I made inside this dungeon...

He was the only one who was willing to talk to me freely like this. No bickering, no hostility, and no malice.

His company was so welcoming and hospitable, that you'd mistaken him for a nice neighbor who loves to give you some nice cookies and a hot glass of milk. He was just that kind of guy.

So when you compare his nice and battle junkie personality, It's like the two sides of the moon.

Big Boss: "Observing your behavior...It looks like you're thinking about how mad you really were before, but now, you're just having mixed thoughts about what's what. Grahahaha! You're really giving me the tummy aches today young lad! Grahahahaha!"

Oh shut it, who wouldn't be mad at you for making me feel hopeless for an entire month!

I summoned a pillar to his side and transformed it's end into a fist, punching his side with a powerful force.

Big Boss: "Ack-!? Guh- GRAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I deserved that alright! Good punch right there mate!"

Yeesh, I put all of my power into that punch, strengthened and all, and it didn't even make him budge from his spot.

That punch could instantly destroy a Lizard Warrior's skull!

Big Boss: "But of course, It wasn't all just because of that. Seeing the four of you enjoy yourselves, made me just want to stop everthing and enjoy my new life as...this thing...as a monster."

He points at himself. Complete resentment in his tone.

Big Boss: "I gotta be honest with ya, I hate both humans and monsters. Both of them are just...they just piss me off. Of course, I would not treat them badly even if I hate them, especially if they come with good intentions, or they're just too afraid to approach me. I would still welcome them openly in a friendly manner, but I would still hide the fact that I don't like them that much."

Hahaha, what's with that way of thinking? Well...I can't really blame him, humans are...well, humans. They're just that hatable if you're in the perspective of other species. Heck, even humans don't like humans.

Big Boss: "I would help them if they were in danger...I would ignore those who are not fit to even live...They are too complicated for me to comprehend...once I gained this perception and point of view of a monster. I started to think how...annoying they are to deal with, ya get me lad?"

Hmm...yeah, I know what he's trying to say. My perspective on things also changed after becoming a Rock. My normal views became weird, and my awareness of things...started to adjust with my never ending lifespan.

Once you turn into a monster, you will never be who you used to be. You will become a phantom of your past, a new being, a new you.

Big Boss: "But this random hate that I feel from humans, it keeps growing and growing...it could be something related to my previous life...I have a feeling that the reason I became a monster, probably involves with some shady humans."

Huh, we're suddenly going deep into his background. Is he gonna remember something? He was probably involved in some shady business before.

Big Boss: "But...it's funny how those same humans who I don't like...were the ones to help me remember something so important to me, just by practically doing nothing."

Big Boss sat up once again and admired the beautiful night sky.

He raises his hand up, as if he was grasping the stars above us.

Big Boss: "Thanks to them...somehow, somewhere...I just realized, there could be a family out there...waiting for me to come home."

A family...huh.

Big Boss: "I don't know how many years has it been since I was separated with my daughter...she could be out there, waiting for someone who's probably dead. What could she be doing all alone? Does she have a mother? I can't even remember if my wife is alive or...could it be that they are both already dead?"

If I was able to communicate with him, I don't even know how I would respond to what he said. As somewhat like his conversation buddy(?), I feel like it's my obligation to cheer him up a little.

But I chose to do nothing. He's probably the type who doesn't ask to get consoled by someone...unless he reaches out for consolation himself.

He lowers his hand down and just hung his head up.

Big Boss: "Oh bloody hell. Too much thinkin's much of an headache."

He stuck his tongue out, like his head was fuming smoke.

His brain stopped working from worrying too much. Hahaha

Ah fudge it, I'll console him anyways.

Big Boss suddenly let himself fall on his back again. Maybe he gave up thinking about it. This make things easier for me anyways, I wouldn't need to climb up to his shoulders.

I ran towards his head and gave him some head patting. I remember Alea doing this to her siblings. Might as well caress his head since it's overrun with depressing thoughts.

Big Boss: "Hm? A headpat? Well...it's not like I mind it at all. Go ahead, if you find it fun to stroke my fur."

I wonder...how long has he been wandering this Labyrinth for? All alone, without no one to meet him at his level. No one willing to speak to him, no one willing to approach him except for maybe if they're here to kill him, he always had no one beside him to spend time together.

Now that he met me, he probably went through a change. Becoming more sane and calm.

I heard of it before, too much isolation, becoming socially deprived affects your mental health. It wouldn't even be a joke if someone turned crazy from that.

As for me who went through an even worse kind of isolation...hehe, you could say I'm already crazy enough to stay normal like before. Now it sounds like some sort of saying...

If you normally walk out from a crazy situation, then you're crazy enough to be the same as before.

Just thinking about my century long duration of mental suffering...only makes me laugh now.

*Flap*

*Flap*

*Flap*

While I was caressing his head, his tail was wagging. I guess he's enjoying it.

Ugh! My doggo heart is doki doki! I didn't even think he'd have a cute side to him!

What's this?! Is it legal to adopt your cute enemy!?

Now that sounds like a title for a romcom story.

I continue to pat his head, so he decided to talk while in this position.

Big Boss: "You're free to go outside now mate. I won't stop you. As for me, I don't even know what I'll do afterwards."

Eh? Just like that? Don't you have anything more to say to me??

He turns his head to me and raised his arm, pointing his finger at my chest.

Big Boss: "You...You be careful out there kid."

I mean...I will but...

Big Boss: "There are strong monsters out there. Humans, Beastkin, Elves, Dwarves...and a whole lot more. All of them are strong, especially the long lived ones. Do not mess with them...only when you are stronger, do you have the right to fight back."

His finger that pointed to my chest, rose up to my head.

Big Boss: "Use your head. Somewhere out there, you'll be able to make a family of your own, people who will genuinely love you for who you are. One wrong move, and you'll someday wake up all alone, no one to greet your mornings ever again."

He slowly retracts his hand and relaxed.

Big Boss: "Never act too confidently, never betray anyone's goodwill, and never become arrogant. You only have one life for you to live, don't make mistakes you'll regret for the rest of your life."

If I had the ability to talk, I would definitely be speechless right now. Looking at his sad expression, definitely makes you take him for his advice.

Someone who's capable of showing you their mistakes and weaknesses, deserves all the respect they need.

Big Boss: "If you trust too much, you could end up having a blade stuck through you. If you distance yourself from everyone too much, they'll start being afraid of you, alienating you from the rest. Just maintain a proper balance of it and you'll be fine on your own."

I hopped down the porch, preparing myself to leave this dungeon. It's like he's giving me his last words of advice before he leaves for good. If I just leave right now.....what would happen?

What does he plan to do from now on?

Why do I feel like...it's very anti-climatic?

Big Boss: "One last words of advice."

He sat up and smiled.

Big Boss: "You're still too young lad. Don't get too carried away. Be free and enjoy what life gives ahead of you!"

I turned my back on him, running away and never looking back.

Somehow. All the advices that he gave me, felt like it was personally directed to him.

Are you sure this is okay Tood?

Why are you not following me? Why are you not coming with me to the outside world? Why are you only sending me off?

When I take a quick glance behind, all I could see was a man who hid all of his regrets to himself.

Why are you so selfish and kind? Where did the bad impression I got from you before? Is it really okay for me to leave right now?

Didn't you say just now to live a life we wouldn't regret? Why aren't going outside to look for your family?

Just...

Why?

.

.

.

[[Congratulations Angus, you have finally earned your freedom.]]

I finally reached the entrance of the Labyrinth. Big Boss didn't stood in front of the entrance to stop me. He actually decided to let me go.

For the rest of the trip to the entrance, I only kept on running, deciding not to phase through the ground to travel faster.

I needed some time to think while I was escaping.

[[Angus? Is anything wrong?]]

No...It's nothing.

Look! We're only a few steps away to our freedom. We can finally venture out in the world!

[[Indeed it is. Once you're free, you can finally enjoy the fun adventure you've always been dreaming of.]]

Hahaha...I will...

[[So there is a problem.]]

Huh? No- I-...

I stopped as I was only one step away from coming outside.

Sigh...

Yeesh, I just really can't leave that old man alone just like that.

[[But if you do this, your chance of surviving against him is 0.00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001% chance of survival.]]

Yeah, I know. But as long as there's a 1 chance right there. I'll damn hell as well take it.

[[I guess this will be our last time together.]]

Wha- I mean...Well, I guess it is Administrator. Thank you for all of your support.

I stepped away from the entrance and turned back to the Labyrinth that gave me such a hard time.

Sorry Boss. I won't be listening to your advice.

I was damn well known as an arrogant and too confident piece of garbage before!

Wait for me to come and kick your ass for a lesson or two!

I zoomed across every level with top speed. While killing all the monsters that got in my way.

I can't believe that guy who unreasonably challenged me to a death battle, suddenly decides to live alone in isolation!

Take responsibility dammit! You overgrown depressed Dad!